• Islands -

Florianopolis is the main city on both the mainland and Ilha de Santa Catarina (Island) which is 18 km long and has 42 beaches. There are over 30 islands in the group

• Visa -

Many countries can now get to Brazil without a visa. Check with your local embassy

• Budget -

Mid range

• Population -

477,798

• AKA -

Floripa / Island of Magic

• About -

Fly to Florianopolis and spend a week exploring the city and the rest of the island. The island is surrounded by wonderful beaches. 

The north is calm and well developed.

The south is wild and unpopulated with rainforests and cliffs. It has pine forests, mountains, lagoons and sand dunes. 

The centre of the island has a hippy vibe. 

Florianopolis is the capital of Santa Catarina state (One of the most beautiful in Brazil) and the 2nd largest city. 

This is an island with the LOT.

• Go -

It is a year round destination but you can expect rain anytime of the year as well.

Summer is December to March when it is warm and humid and it is also the high season where costs can be 40% more.

October to early December is a good time. Christmas to Carnival is a good time to party. March to April is also good.

Winter has the best surf - June to September - and whales

• Airports -

Florianopolis Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN) -

Connects directly to Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

• Ferry -

The Island is connected to the mainland by 3 bridges

There are various boat cruises you can do from the Island

• Stay -

Spend a few nights in Centro (Town) 

Innbox Centro - 

Excellent location downtown for nightlife, bar

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and a few on the beach at Canasvieiras

Palace Praia Hotel **** -

Best location in town on the beachfront with a beachside infinity swimming pool, jacuzzi and solarium on the roof, restaurant and bar, good breakfast included

Hotel Monteiro Canasvieiras **** - 

Beachfront with free beach service, spa and wellness centre, good breakfast included

Canasvieiras Hotel ** - 

Great beachfront location with outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, good breakfast included

• Features -

Unlimited beauty, activities, dining and nightlife opportunities

• History -

Over the years the island has seen arrivals by Itarare and Tupi Gurani Indians, Portuguese (From the Azores), Germans and Italians.

 They have been joined by Africans, Austrians, Norwegians, Hungarians, Letter, Japanese, Syrians, Lebanese, Poles, Russians and Ukrainians so it's quite the multi-cultural mix.

The first bridge to the mainland was completed in 1926

· See -

Ilha do Campeche - 

a mini version of Santa Catarina Island

Praia do Mocambique - 

Surfing Beach

The Public Market 

for food, clothes and handicrafts

The historic city centre

Museums, Cathedrals, 

Forts, Theatres

There are about 100 beaches

in the whole area

Whale watching 

June - October

· Do -

Hire a Car or Scooter to explore the island and do day trips on the mainland. There is a bus system and taxis on the island

Boat Tours 

and island hopping

Horseback Riding

Diving

Golf

Bird watching 

Go Surfing / Kite Surfing / Wind surfing / Skinny dipping / Mountain Biking / Trekking / Canyoneering / Rappelling / Cascading / Zip Lining /  Parachuting / Fishing / Rafting / Canoeing / Hang Gliding / Gliding / Sailing

Canopy Tours / Sand Boarding

DIY daytrip to Balneario Camboriu (the poor man's Rio) - hire a car or scooter and it's 85km north

· Highlights -

Watersports, dining and nightlife at the Lagoon

• Eat -

Azorean Cuisine - 

lots of fresh seafood as well as Brazilian and European

Costa da Lagoa - 

Small fishing community only accessible by boat with countless seafood restaurants

Ostradamus - 

for wonderful oysters and seafood out over the water

• Drink -

Florianopolis was named the Party destination of the year by the New York Times. (see below) There are plenty of beach bars, bars and clubs around the island. Lots of live music and DJ's in the clubs. It was also named as the friendliest city in the world.

Visit a Cachaca distillery.

 It is up past Balneario Camboriu so you could combine the two. Or find one closer.

• Sundowners -

Find a nice Beach Bar facing west

Santo Antonia de Lisboa - 

with the bridge in the background

Jurere beach

 is popular at sunset

Ponto de Vista - 

for the views and the food

Books & Beers - 

Rooftop bar Lagoa

• Specialties -

Oysters / Octopus / Fish Stew / Seafood Platter

• Famous -

It was named as the best place to live in Brazil and the best place to Party in Latin America

· Festivals -

Gay Carnival - 

Including the Gay Pride Parade

Fenaostra - 

Feast of the Oyster and Azorean Culture, over 100 seafood based dishes

• Extra -

See Brazil in 'Countries A - L'